Renfrewshire’s latest batch of young Recruits are aiming to show they are backing the right horse after being set a business task by the boss of an equestrian centre.

Ian Maxwell, general manager of Ingliston Country Club in Bishopton, visited the young people on the popular youth employment scheme to set them a brief for a marketing challenge.

The Recruit is a Renfrewshire Council-run programme loosely based on telly favourite The Apprentice and sees young people take part in a series of enterprise-related tasks, with jobs on offer for the winners.

This summer sees two programmes – one for S5/6 school leavers, and one for unemployed young people aged between 18 and 24.

The Ingliston challenge sees the Recruits on the 18-24 programme split into teams and each given a small budget to produce a marketing campaign to promote the centre.

The teams will return next week to present their ideas to Iain, who will judge which group is the winner.

Ian said: “I got involved in the Recruit after attending the finale last year as a guest, and was then asked if I would consider mentoring some of the young people who needed help with interviews.

“Young people are looking for experience, and opportunities are only available for the most committed. The Recruit helps give them a flavour of what the business world involves.

“It was a day I really enjoyed. It was great to see their confidence levels – they weren’t put off by having a guy in a suit walk in. It was lovely to see they were eager to listen and to ask questions.”

Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Jobs Board, added: “Jobs and employment are two of the big priorities of the council.

“The Recruit, along with our £7m Invest in Renfrewshire programme, is one of the ways in which we are providing practical help for local young people.

“Once again, the Recruits are getting the chance to learn about a variety of different business sectors from people working in that field.

“We are grateful to all the organisations who give up their time to help the young people on this scheme widen their horizons.”

This summer will see the Recruits take part in challenges with a wide range of local partners, including Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, St Mirren and Cosmopolitan Hotels.

The winning Recruits will find out who has been successful in their job hopes at a special ceremony in Paisley Town Hall on 14 August.